If you have a penis, then you are probably very fond of it as its function goes beyond just peeing whilst standing up.  Poznews understands that problems ‘down there’ can not only have a physical impact, but an emotional and mental one too. Premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and STDs are some of the more common problems that men today face. However, a less known condition is priapism. This is when an erect penis will not return to being flaccid, despite a lack of sexual stimuli. This can be painful, potentially harmful and embarrassing to those suffering with the condition.

What is Priapism?
The condition of an undying erection develops when the blood in the penis is unable to be drained naturally, after four hours of being erect. Normally, an erection occurs in response to physical or psychological stimulation, which causes blood vessels to relax and expand, increasing blood flow to the penis. Once stimulation has ended, the blood flows out of the penis which then returns to being flaccid. However, priapism occurs when something changes the normal flow of blood to and from the penis.  Priapism can occur in men of all ages (including newborn baby boys).

There are two types of priapism: low flow and high flow. Low flow priapism is a result of blood being trapped in the erection chambers. High-flow priapism is rarer and is the result of a ruptured artery in the penis or perineum (the space between the scrotum and anus). This prevents normal blood circulation in the penis, keeping it erect.

What causes Priapism?
One of the leading causes of an ongoing erection is the use, overuse or misuse of some medications and illegal drugs (such as marijuana and cocaine). Injection therapy medications used to treat erectile dysfunction can also result in priapism.

Priapism is often a symptom of an underlying medical condition, like a ruptured artery or – in some rare cases – a cancer that prevents the outflow of blood in the penis. It is believed that a large percentage of all adults with sickle-cell anaemia (SCA) will at some time or another suffer from priapism. Black Widow spider bites and carbon monoxide poisoning have also been believed to cause priapism.

How can I treat priapism?
For starters, see a doctor. They will need to determine the cause of the priapism - and whether it is high-flow or low-flow – in order to treat it properly. It also depends on how long the organ has been erect. If a priapism sufferer receives medical attention within 4-6 hours, then it’s possible that flaccidity can be reached through taking medication. Immediate treatment includes ice-packs, which can reduce swelling. Aspiration is a common method used where a needle is inserted into a numbed penis to drain the blood. This will cause the swelling and pressure to be reduced, allowing the penis to return to being flaccid.

There are a number of other treatments for priapism. Surgical ligation is usually used to treat high-flow priapism such as when an artery has been ruptured. Intracavernous injections and surgical shunts are used for low-flow priapism. The former is a treatment where a drug is injected into the penis. This drug causes the veins to narrow, reducing the flow of blood to the penis which then causes the swelling to go down. Surgical stunts are also used to treat low-flow priapism and are surgically inserted into the penis in order to divert the blood flow and allow circulation to return to normal.

An unwanted, lasting erection can be a serious condition, and if not treated as soon as possible, can cause permanent erectile dysfunction and impotence.